The Skatch drill uses the Skate drill to develop a higher traction position for the stroking arm.  During the pull phase of the stroke, the forearm should be oriented somewhat vertically.  Somewhat, because it can be a difficult position to achieve, depending on your shoulder flexibility.  This drill helps move you closer to that ideal vertical forearm. Rest assured that you don’t have to "get there" to swim better – getting closer to it is the kaizen way.

 

There are two common and well known errors during the pull phase of the stroke, and one less well known error.  The common errors are:

  1. Dropped elbow.  This is when the elbow bends and moves before the hand, leaving the hand and forearm in the wake of the elbow, reducing traction.
  2. Straight arm pull.  This is better than the dropped elbow, but the first part of the stroke puts more pressure down on the water, rather than moving the swimmer forward.  This is inefficient, stresses the shoulder, and pushes the hips down.

 

Both of these errors are linked to one factor: where is the elbow pointing at the start of the stroke?  When we reach full extension with the lead arm, the elbow is typically pointing down.  Rotating the elbow just a bit so that it points more to the side can allow the hand to come towards the body while the elbow stays in place.  That’s how a vertical catch happens.

 

The third error is using too much muscle to get to the catch position.  When that happens, the hand becomes tense, and usually faces the wrong direction.  You’ll also feel a "squiggle" in the first part of the stroke, instead of a pull that happens on the track.  Instead, relax the hand into the catch position.  There’s no reason to exert yourself before you get to the stroke!

 

The Skatch Drill starts in the Skate position.  First, just simply turn the elbow a bit, leaving the hand relaxed and fingers pointing down.  Then return to the starting position.  Repeat this several times, gradually turning the arm a bit more.

 

When that becomes comfortable, allow the hand to move toward the elbow, just a bit.  Don’t force it!  Keep the hand on the track, and maintain "just enough rotation". Then return to the start position.  As this becomes more comfortable, move the hand further, with the goal of maintaining your skate position while having the hand under the elbow.  Click here for a video of the drill.

 

Alternate lengths of Skatch with whole stroke swimming to integrate the easy catch position into your stroke.